Experiments

Because Rokit is a precision water rocket that self launches at a pre-determined pressure this means that experiments can be performed repeatedly. It is a visual learning tool for demonstrating the Laws of Motion for all levels of science education.

There are many experiments that Rokit can be used for. Our Rokit Manual Experiment Book shows over 20 experiments and over 20 activity projects. If you can think of any other experiments using Rokit then we would welcome your feedback!

Here are a couple of experiments to get you going:

Measuring The Angle Of Elevation
Measuring the height achieved in a flight is not so easy. The instrument we use is called a CLINOMETER and consists of a pair of sights on a rod and a protractor with a pendulum attached to record the angle of elevation of the rocket.To use the clinometer the operator stands a known distance from the launch site and follows the flight of the rocket with the sights. At the very top of the flight (the APOGEE) the plumb bob is trapped against the protractor with a finger and the angle is read off and recorded. The height of the rocket at apogee is then calculated by the following formula:

HEIGHT = DISTANCE FROM LAUNCH x
TANGENT of ANGLE of ELEVATION

Calculating The Height
Younger children may find this calculation difficult. A clinometer template is provided in the Rokit Experiments Manual showing direct readings of height in metres. In practice it is best to use four clinometers spaced evenly around the edge of a 25m radius circle centred on the middle of the rocket range. The four readings are taken simultaneously and averaged to give a more accurate result.

Recovery Systems
Many alternatives can be found for recovery systems for the entire rocket, or for a payload (such as a satellite). Parachutes are the most common, try taping a paper cup with the bottom removed and placing a small parachute with a weight attached which will drop out as the rocket “turns over” at apogee. Alternatively recover the whole rocket as below.

Make a simple parachute from a 300mm dia. circle of thin polythene. Cut 3 450mm lengths of strong thread and stick as shown with a disc of strong sticky tape.

Attach the parachute to the bottle with three more discs of strong tape.

Tuck the shroud lines (the thread) under the chute and pull the chute down over the nose of the rocket for launch.

Rokit Science

FAQ’s

Feedback

What have you done with Rokit?
If you can think of any new experiments, or have any cool pictures or video using Rokit - and you'd like to share, then we would love to hear from you.We may even feature you on this site!Give us your feedback here!

For outdoor use ONLY

WARNING:NOT A TOY.
TO BE USED UNDER DIRECT
SUPERVISION OF AN ADULT

Rokit™ is manufactured and distributed by Hinterland.
Designs registered in various countries, Patents pending